How to Cut Boards to Length and Width

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by Davie, Apr 16, 2007.

  1. Davie

    Davie Active Member

    I am installing some decking and find that I need to cut many of the boards to length and width. As a DIYer I would be grateful for advice from people more experienced than I.

    I find that using a handsaw is the fastest way of cutting to length since it takes too long to set up an edge to run my circular saw across. Am I doing something wrong?

    And how to a cut to width? If I hold the plank flat in my B&D Workmate, the dogs crush the board across its width and so the circular saw jams in the cut. What should I be doing?

    Thanks in advance for any advice. Davy
     
  2. screwfox

    screwfox New Member

    circular saws are best for cross cutting (i.e. length), cutting to width requires a jigsaw (or ideally a table saw, not really a DIY item though). Clamp the boards to the top of the workmate with a clamp, then jigsaw them.

    As for length cuts, can't you lay the boards long and then cut them all at once with your circular saw and a batten? (or you could use a power mitre saw).

    HTH
     
  3. foxy

    foxy New Member

    If you don't have a mitre saw capable of cutting right across a hand saw will do fine for cross cuts or you can use a circular saw freehand with a bit of practice. You shouldn't have to rip many deck boards down unless you have an odd design.
     
  4. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    has your circular saw not got a fence [a "T" shaped bit that slides in the side]!!!!!!!

    this allowes parralel cutting

    you shouldnt get binding just use the workmate and a chair or tressle of simmilar height and just keep moving the support and workmate away from the cuting area yo can of course double up [screw the bit your cutting to another but upside down only clamp this bit in the jaws
    set the saw for 2mm protruding then you won't notice the slot when its turned the right way round

    big all
     
  5. Davie

    Davie Active Member

    Big All, like the idea of screwing the board to a piece of scrap/back of another board and then clamping that scrap/other board between dogs on workmate.

    Regarding cutting to length, from the replies I can now see that I should have used a circular saw to roughly freehand cut the boards to an inch over length and after installing them cut them all together neatly across a batten.

    thanks Davie
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice